As we usher in 2025, it is the perfect time to reflect on the remarkable achievements of the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) in 2024 and look forward to the exciting year ahead.
We hope the new year brings health, happiness and success to all of our students, staff, families and community.
Fall Semester Highlights
The fall semester of the 2024-2025 school year was nothing short of extraordinary. Thanks to our talented students, dedicated educators and supportive families, SUSD continues to elevate excellence.
Here are just a few of our standout moments:
- Championship Athletics: Congratulations to our Desert Mountain boys swim and dive team and to Chaparral’s badminton singles player and pom and cheer teams for securing state championships. Additionally, we celebrated the inaugural season of girls flag football, marking a milestone in our high school athletics program.
- Coronado Marching Band Victory: Under the leadership of first-year teacher Brett Bell, the Coronado High School marching band earned first place in the Arizona Band and Orchestra Directors Association (ABODA) state competition.
- International Recognition: Desert Mountain High School’s talented marching band proudly represented SUSD on the global stage, participating in London’s New Year’s Day Parade.
Excellence in Education
Our educators were recognized at the highest levels for their dedication and impact:
- Arizona History Teacher of the Year: The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History honored Saguaro High School’s Ashley Crose as its Arizona History Teacher of the Year.
- IB Teacher of the Year: Angie Griffith, 5th grade teacher at Anasazi Elementary, was named Arizona International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Teacher of the Year.
- Thespian Teacher of the Year: Dr. Tim McCandless, Saguaro High School Theatre Director, was named Arizona Thespians Central Region Theatre Teacher of the Year.
- SUSD Students Outperform Peers: SUSD significantly outperformed state averages on the 2024 Arizona Academic Standards Assessments (AASA): 61% of grade 3 ‒ 8 students tested passed the ELA measurement (AZ, 40%) and 56% passed the math assessment (AZ, 33%), making SUSD a top performer in Maricopa County. Additionally, all SUSD school sites earned an A or B state letter grade for the 2023-24 school year from the Arizona State Board of Education. The district itself received an A for the second year in a row.
- Anasazi Elementary School Blue Zones-Approved: Recognized for contributing to a healthier Scottsdale, Anasazi Elementary joins SUSD’s Echo Canyon K-8 School in achieving Blue Zones-Approved School status.
Innovative Programs
SUSD continues to expand opportunities for our students to grow and thrive:
- Fire Science Academy: Coronado High School, in partnership with the EVIT Fire Science program and the Scottsdale Fire Department, will launch a Fire Science Academy to inspire the next generation of first responders.
- Expansion of the Scottsdale Math and Science Academy (SMSA): The highly regarded SMSA program will expand to Mohave Middle School in the fall, providing a premier STEM education to even more SUSD students.
Spotlight on Safety and Security
In November, SUSD conducted a Safety and Security Town Hall, bringing together families, law enforcement, and district leaders to discuss and strengthen our shared commitment to further secure our campuses. Together, we are enhancing the safety of our schools where students can learn and grow.
Honors and Recognition
It is a profound honor to have been named 2024-25 Superintendent of the Year by the Arizona School Administrators association. This recognition reflects the hard work and dedication of our entire SUSD community. Together, we are elevating excellence and inspiring a brighter future for our students.
We are also proud that Scottsdale Unified School District was named the winner of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce Sterling Award in the Big Business category. This award is based on business excellence and positive community impact. We are grateful to the students, staff, parents, and partners who work tirelessly each day to provide wonderful opportunities for all students.
Looking Ahead
With a strong foundation from the fall semester, we are excited to continue building on our successes in 2025. We invite you to join us. From award-winning academics and athletics to exceptional arts and innovative programs, SUSD truly has something for every student. We encourage you to “Grow with SUSD” and “Choose SUSD” for the 2025-2026 school year. Visit susd.org/enrollment and enroll now.
Wishing you a happy and prosperous new year.
SUSD is a member of the Queen Creek Sun Times Preferred Business Program.
